Helen Whitney at UVU

UVU Religious Studies to host Helen Whitney for panel discussion on her film “The Mormons”

The UVU Religious Studies Program welcomes filmmaker Helen Whitney for a panel discussion on her groundbreaking documentary “The Mormons” on Friday, February 12, 2010 from 10:00-12:00 p.m. in the UVU Library Lakeview Room.

“Over the past few years we have seen an unprecedented public discussion of Mormonism,” said Brian Birch, director of UVU’s Religious Studies Program. “We’re delighted to have a world class filmmaker on our campus to help our students reflect on issues related to art, religion, and culture.”

Helen Whitney is an award-winning documentary filmmaker who has worked as a producer, director, and writer since 1971. With a passion for religious subjects, Whitney’s credits include “Faith and Doubt at Ground Zero (PBS Frontline),” “John Paul II: The Millennial Pope (PBS Frontline),” and “The Mormons” (PBS Frontline and American Experience). She has recently completed her latest film entitled “Forgiveness.” Whitney has been the recipient of many awards including an Emmy, two Peabody Awards, and an Academy Award nomination.

Along with Helen Whitney, panelists include participants in “The Mormons” including BYU Professor Daniel Peterson, University of Utah history professor Colleen McDannell, UVU artist in residence Alex Caldiero, Charles Randall Paul, president of the Foundation for Interreligious Diplomacy, and David Scott, chair of UVU’s Department of Communication.

Among the questions addressed by the panel will be: how did the “The Mormons” impact public perceptions of Mormonism? In what ways did the film capture the Mormon experience? Did the documentary invite people to reconsider preexisting ideas about this increasingly visible religious tradition?

The event is free and open to the public. Co-sponsors include the UVU College of Humanities and Social Sciences.